The BEN Initiative provides technical assistance, grant writing support, capacity building and fiscal sponsorship for community based organizations and professionals working the following areas:

Birthwork

Environment & Agriculture

Nutrition Education

BIRTH

​The perinatal and early childhood periods are critical to maternal and child health and development. The BEN Initiative aims to increase access to:

• Out-of-hospital perinatal care and birth options in rural/tribal communities
• Traditional and holistic medicine practitioners for ceremony and perinatal education​

ENVIRONMENT

Our structural and physical environments play a huge role in the social determinants of a community's health. Within rural and tribal built environments, The BEN Initiative aims to establish the following:

• ​Sufficient farmland and water for young and beginner Indigenous farmers
• Shared heavy farming equipment and infrastructure
• Safe spaces to engage in play, land-based learning and ceremony

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NUTRITION

Foods consumed during perinatal and early childhood (ages 0-5) periods have a foundational and lasting impact on health outcomes. The BEN Initiative aims to reclaim nutritional abundance in rural and tribal communities across northwest New Mexico through increased access to:

• Herbal medications and remedies during perinatal and early childhood periods
• Traditional foods throughout pregnancy, postpartum and age 0-5
• Breastfeeding education, support/guidance and resources